THE mobile community vaccination (Movak) programme has garnered 8,375 registrations so far, Penang Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said.
The programme, under the local government unit, will be targeting hawkers and traders who are registered with the local governments.
The Movak programme would be held from 8.30am to 3pm, from Aug 30 to Sept 2.
Jagdeep said the the programme was expected to draw some 12,000 throughout the four days.
“We urge more traders and hawkers to register for the Movak Covid-19 vaccination programme soon before it begins on Aug 30.
“Ten modified buses will be used to ensure smooth operation of the Movak Covid-19 vaccination programme.
“Five locations have been identified for the programme, namely, the Dewan Dato Haji Ahmad Badawi in north Seberang Perai; Jalan Betik Sports Complex in central Seberang Perai; Batu Kawan Stadium in south Seberang Perai; City Stadium in northeast district; and Dewan Perda, Teluk Kumbar in southwest district.
“Two buses will be allocated for each location,” he told a press conference in Chowrasta Market today.
Jagdeep also stressed the need for Penangites to register themselves for the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (NIP).
“The state is pushing forward to achieve the herd immunity. We are reaching there.
“We appeal to the Federal Government to accelerate the supply of Covid-19 vaccines to Penang to complete the NIP in the state,” he said.
Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng thanked Jagdeep for bringing the good news to the traders and hawkers.
“The Covid-19 vaccines are crucially needed during this pandemic period,” Teh said.
He added that sanitisation works would be conducted tonight (Aug 27) at the Komtar bus terminal and at three markets in the Komtar state constituency.
Teh also advised the people to obey the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to reduce the Covid-19 infection.
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang urged those who have not registered for the Movak Covid-19 vaccination programme to quickly do so.
“Please take this opportunity to register for the Movak Covid-19 vaccination programme. Please come forward and register.
“After this, we will only allow traders and hawkers who have been vaccinated at least one dose to operate.
“We will be imposing this soon, so please come forward to register yourself to be vaccinated.
Visit the websites or Facebook pages of the local councils for more details on the Movak Covid-19 vaccination programme.
“Secondly, the MBPP payment counter at Level Three, Komtar, is closed for sanitisation work due to Covid-19 infection. Five of our staff have been infected.
“We are still providing our services via the online and cashless system,” he said.
Yew urged the public to utilise the online platform during this pandemic.
He said the payment counter at Level Three in Komtar was scheduled to open on Monday (Aug 30).